Executive SummaryThe majority of Americans have a love-hate relationship with Wal-Mart Stores Inc that at times is difficult to comprehend. The creation of Sam Walton ("Wal-Mart", 2006) has morphed into today's leader of discount retailing. The organization has faced, and is still facing, a significant amount of controversy over a number of different issues. However, none of these have done much more than lightly graze the exterior of this gigantic operation of 1.2 million associates in the US alone. This report will focus on Wal-Mart's staffing practices, namely alleged cases of sexual discrimination. Analyses of the environment, company, competition, as well as related key issues in the company's human resources management will also be given. It will conclude by offering recommendations on future action that should be undertaken by management in order to produce sustainable competitive advantage via its human resources.
Environmental AnalysisWal-Mart's overall strategy is one of cost leadership, evident in its slogan of "Always Low Prices".
English: Inside the Walmart (still branded as Wal-...
A protest in Utah against Wal-Mart
English: Exterior of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Mad...It seems that Wal-Mart is intent on providing low prices holistically, including the salaries of its employees. According to PBS, "Wal-Mart employs more people than any other company in the United States outside of the Federal government, yet the majority of its employees with children live below the poverty line ("Wal-Mart Wages and Worker Rights", n.d.).
Analysts regard Wal-Mart as a force to be reckoned with; many hypothesizing that life for other retailers looks grim as the empire continues to expand and dominate the retail industry. Wal-Mart's (Brent, 2005) strategic plan includes:Expansion of its SuperCenter format from 1,700 to more than 3,100 storesMoving into non-retail businesses including financial services, telecommunications, publishing and travelRetail experiments such as convenience stores, freestanding drug stores, healthcare superstores, freestanding apparel units and small footprint general merchandise stores.
Its key competitors are Target and Costco, who are both...
WAL-MART'S HR PRACTICES
BEING A PAST EMPLOYEE OF WAL-MART (TWICE), I THINK THIS IS A VERY WELL RESEARCHED AND WRITTEN PAPER. IT DOES DESCRIBE THEIR CURRENT PRACTICES AS OF TODAY, 02 NOV 2008, AND I DON'T SEE ANY MAJOR CHANGES PROJECTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. WAL-MART IS DETERMINED TO REMAIN A NON-UNION ORGANIZATION, AND AS SUCH REMAIN VOLATILE TO PUBLIC NEGATIVE OPINIONS.
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